Memphis Composers Institute 2027: Free Orchestral Score Call Until December 7
Three composers will have the chance to hear an original orchestral score rehearsed and publicly performed by the Memphis Symphony during the Memphis Composers Institute on April 6–8, 2027. The programme is run by The Walden School with the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis and the Memphis Symphony. Applications are free and close December 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time.
Eligibility and the three selection places
The call welcomes composers of any age and nationality in the early stages of an orchestral composing career. One selected composer will be associated with the University of Memphis, one with The Walden School, and one will be unaffiliated with either organisation. You do not need to have studied at either institution to enter the unaffiliated category. Previous winners are ineligible; preference is given to composers whose orchestral works have been formally performed fewer than three times.
Score and instrumentation requirements
Only one composition per applicant is accepted. The piece should be approximately ten minutes long and must not exceed twelve minutes. It must fit the specified chamber-orchestra instrumentation, including two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, one trombone, one tuba, timpani and one additional percussionist, one keyboard player, harp and limited strings. Certain doublings are permitted, but a soloist or instrument not on the published list leads to disqualification. Always inspect the complete instrumentation list.
Anonymous materials and selection
A complete PDF score must remove all information that could identify the composer, including the score, notes and filenames. An audio recording or MIDI mock-up is strongly recommended. Only one submission can be made, and the selection remains anonymous until the final stage. Entry is through the official SurveyMonkey form linked from the Walden School's programme page.
Travel reimbursement and attendance
Selected composers must attend the three-day event in Memphis on April 6–8, 2027. The Institute provides local accommodation and reimburses travel costs up to US$650; travel beyond that cap may remain the composer's responsibility. Alongside performance by the Memphis Symphony, selected composers receive rehearsal experience, panel discussions and a private-use archival recording, subject to orchestra media rights.
Why the organiser matters
The Walden School has a long-running educational focus on contemporary music and composition. The partnership with the Memphis Symphony and University of Memphis provides identifiable orchestral performers, educational infrastructure and examples of past institute selections. Read the complete call directly before submitting, especially the strict anonymous-score and instrumentation rules. Checked October 25, 2026.
Official source and application / Source officielle : Open the organiser's official announcement / Consulter l'annonce officielle